Used

2010 Mazda MX-5 Miata - Quality Review

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The 2010 Mazda MX-5 Miata does pretty well considering its very compact exterior, yet the cabin is quite short. Also, interior appointments are a bit on the simple and cheap side.

Seating space is one area where the 2010 Miata isn’t going to please many. As ConsumerGuide points out, "those over six feet tall may want more legroom," and "those under 5-foot-6 may have trouble seeing over the high dashboard." Mazda tries to remedy this issue; Cars.com notes that with the Miata, Mazda adds a new driver's-side seat height adjustment, allowing shorter drivers to achieve maximum vision and comfort.

The Miata isn’t overflowing with extra space. “The cockpit is wider than the prior generation's and has greater hip room, shoulder room and elbowroom,” Cars.com says, “but the difference isn't as great as we'd hoped when Mazda set out to redo this model.” As with any sexy two-seater, Kelley Blue Book points out, "If this is going to be your only mode of transport, you're not going to win many friends when it's your turn to drive the co-workers to lunch."

Cars.com observes, “Because there's no backseat, the two occupants get more legroom than you might expect”—a statement that runs counter to other notes about short legroom, including TheCarConnection.com’s own observations of limited legroom. There’s a little more room for the driver; the "driver's-side foot well has been widened by running the exhaust down the right side of the transmission tunnel," Kelley Blue Book notes.

When the available hardtop is retracted and folded away, the Miata has 5.3 cubic feet of trunk space—more than enough for the typical overnight bag, but not an excess of room. Whether or not this makes a practical car depends on the beholder. Jalopnik says the 2010 Mazda MX-5 Miata is "anything but practical," while ConsumerGuide comments on its "surprising practicality."

Mazda Miatas have long been known to accelerate and handle well, but the 17-inch tires are an option than can sully its usually smooth ride. ConsumerGuide says the "ride is choppy and borderline harsh with the less-compliant combination of the Suspension Package and 17-inch tires." Car and Driver also notes, “Tire roar can still be tiring on long drives.”

Conclusion

The 2010 Mazda MX-5 Miata isn’t built to be particularly comfortable or convenient.

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